Writing in the Cold!
It is rare indeed that I can wake up, stare out towards the moors, and see snow smothering the top of Cosdon Beacon. This is all wrong. The snows should not continue into April. I am happy enough to wake to the sight of snow in February and March, but those months have gone. I … Continue reading
Reporting Hatred
This morning I received an email. It came through at 08.40, and was long. Very long. Ten pages long. I won’t put up the bile-infected rant; there is no way I want to promote his lunatic theories. Suffice it to say, every terrorist attack, every rape and murder, pretty much, is entirely the responsibility of … Continue reading
Wednesday 20th
I have loved decent keyboards for many years. It’s a natural affiliation for someone who uses them every single day, really. If you go and see this video, you can win this very keyboard: https://youtu.be/k_gb9g26hcw (after 5.00 PM). Back in the 1980s, when I was a callow computer salesman, I grew to know and love … Continue reading
Tuesday 19th
A day of surprises The trouble with working from home is, you never know what interruptions you’ll get. Today I was out early with the hounds, up over towards Belstone, and we had a pleasant wander – but I knew that I had a lot to do today. So we cut the walk and came … Continue reading
Writing Essays – Student Help 5
This is a copy of a flow chart I talk about in my latest YouTube video for students. If you’d like to see the video, please go to this link. Feel free to print and use this if it helps.
Tips for Submitting Manuscripts
I was asked yesterday on Quora about how to present a manuscript for an editor. This is not intended to be a fully-detailed example, but it summarises my own experiences over the last 25 years of professional writing. Since it is pretty much the same whether you are looking at fiction and non-fiction books, I … Continue reading
I’ve Lost My Editor!
The last weeks have been more than usually busy. I’m currently working on a new book which is close to being completed which will take me in a new direction – which is why (apologies to agent here) I’m late! Still, I think it’ll be done by the end of this week. Which is good, … Continue reading
A Missed Murder
Very grateful for this review: “it’s a fascinating blend of genres. It’s an historical novel. It’s a murder mystery. It’s a spy thriller. It’s an adventure. It’s a comic romp (sort of). And on each of these levels, it works a treat.” #summerreading @severnhouse #crime #crimewriting https://classicmystery.blog/2018/08/17/a-missed-murder-by-michael-jecks/
Writing Lessons 11 – Rewriting
I’ve recently discovered that I’ve been listed for the shortlist of the HWA SHARPE BOOKS GOLD CROWN award. It’s the prize for the best historical novel of the year, and as such a remarkably prestigious award. I’m very proud to read that Pilgrim’s War has been recognised for this. Wish me luck! Writing, it has … Continue reading
Getting to the End…
One of those days when concentrating is difficult: I have to work around the family, getting a new tent sealed ready for a three day hike, walking the dogs, writing up the short list and winner of a prize, deal with emails and phone calls … and it’s not easy. The simple fact is, as … Continue reading
writerlywitterings 